SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)
Startup banking for technology and life-science companies from a division of First Citizens Bank: checking, a startup money market account, insured cash sweep and a rewards card.
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) is a banking and fintech perk from Silicon Valley Bank, offering up to 3.30% annual percentage yield, for VC- or accelerator-backed startups in the US, the UK, Europe and 3 other regions.
- Value
- Up to 3.30% APY
- Who qualifies
- VC / accelerator-backed
- Benefit type
- Free plan
- Terms
- Stated by provider
Inside SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)
SVB, a division of First Citizens Bank, runs a startup banking team for technology and life science companies: Essentials Checking ($25 monthly fee, waived at a $15,000 average balance; partner referral pages offer up to three years free), a Startup Money Market Account paying up to 3.30% APY on balances over $1M, Insured Cash Sweep for multimillion-dollar FDIC coverage, and 250,000 Innovator Card points for $60,000 of spend in the first 90 days (offer ends December 31, 2026).
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 7, 2026
Who it's for
- Funding / backing
- VC / accelerator-backed
- Startup stage
- Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+
- Geography
- United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Israel, India, Asia-Pacific
- Deadline
- Apply by December 31, 2026
- Other requirements
- Aimed at technology and life-science/healthcare startups; SVB provides banking, not direct funding.
How to apply for SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)
- Confirmation of your accelerator / investor backing (a referral or partner code)
- 1Open an account or contact the startup banking team at svb.com/startup-banking.
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 7, 2026
Compare other banking & fintech programs
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) has eligibility restrictions. These alternatives have no accelerator or investor requirement. Check each provider’s current terms and availability.
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank): common questions
What do you get with SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)?
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) offers up to 3.30% annual percentage yield.
Who qualifies for SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)?
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) is for VC- or accelerator-backed pre-seed, seed, Series A and Series B+ startups in the US, the UK, Europe and 3 other regions. Aimed at technology and life-science/healthcare startups; SVB provides banking, not direct funding.
Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)?
Yes. SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) requires venture or accelerator backing; the higher tiers are unlocked through your investor or accelerator. Aimed at technology and life-science/healthcare startups; SVB provides banking, not direct funding.
How do I apply for SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank)?
Open an account or contact the startup banking team at svb.com/startup-banking.
How long do I have to use SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank), and does it expire?
Ongoing; the card points offer ends December 31, 2026.
Is SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) available outside the US?
SVB Startup Banking (First Citizens Bank) is available in the US, the UK, Europe and 3 other regions.
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